Update on new features for users of MyEPO services - plus legal changes

Today, the European Patent Office (EPO) announces the completion of a third pilot phase for MyEPO services, and is releasing its new features to all users.

Additional steps of the patent granting process have been digitalised and new administrative features added, to provide users with more self-service options and create a more efficient, timely and convenient service for users.

In parallel, the EPO is implementing legal changes, which mean that the Office has stopped sending service letter 1201 and introduced a Notice of Appeal in the Online Filing 2.0 process.  

Enhanced access, convenience and guidance

MyEPO is an integrated suite of services that makes it easy for inventors, companies and their representatives to conduct their EPO business online. These services are increasingly becoming the standard means of accessing all aspects of the patent grant procedure.

The success of our online services is confirmed by month-on-month growth in the number of users. Today, over 7 200 representatives recognise the value of these services. Over 80% of the companies that work online with us have already started using the MyEPO Portfolio Mailbox. The list of the top 25 users of MyEPO Portfolio Mailbox can be consulted on our website.

The present release – trialled once again within our pilot participants – brings us another step closer to enabling all users to conduct their EPO business entirely online. Moreover, our online services provide enhanced access to information, convenient self-service options and in-depth procedural guidance on submissions. 

The following features are now available to all users

1. Self-service for professional representatives

• A dedicated area has been put in place that allows representatives to update (and if necessary, delete) their entries in the list of professional representatives

2. Access to application portfolios

• Company administrators can now manage user access to application portfolios
• Applicants that have chosen not to appoint a professional representative can now see their portfolios of applications in MyEPO Portfolio

3. Requesting changes to applications

• Users can now conveniently request the following:
  • Change or withdrawal of representation
  • Changes to bibliographic data
  • Withdrawal of application

4. Two-factor authentication for eOLF

• Two-factor authentication (2FA) can now be used to access eOLF, in addition to our MyEPO services (Online Filing 2.0, MyEPO Portfolio, Central Fee Payment)

Please note that the EPO is gradually phasing out the use of smart cards and moving towards two-factor authentication as the default method for identification and access. This means that we will no longer accept requests for new smart cards (including requests to renew expired smart cards or to replace lost smart cards) as of 29 December 2023 at 18.00 hours CET. Furthermore, users will no longer be able to use smart cards to access the EPO’s online services from January 2025. 

Additional changes as of 1 November:

• A new form has been introduced in Online Filing 2.0 for submitting Notice of Appeal
• As previously announced, the EPO has stopped sending service letter 1201.

• Entry into force of the new regime for notification and time limit calculation 

Take a look at the MyEPO journey

Our roadmap for this and next year outlines the upcoming services and features that will complement a fully digital customer journey and further increase the number of users choosing to conduct their EPO business online.